Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

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Our set-and-forget version of this classic Easter dish is a win-win: Your oven is free to make the holiday ham and the slow cooker's gentle heat creates incredibly tender and creamy potatoes. You'll need at least a six-quart slow cooker for this recipe.

Method

In large bowl, gently toss together potatoes, fennel, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper until well combined. In small bowl, whisk cream with potato starch until smooth.

In lightly greased slow cooker, layer half of the potato mixture. Sprinkle with one- quarter of the Gruyère and half of the bacon. Pour in half of the cream mixture. Top with remaining potato mixture, another quarter of the Gruyère and the remaining bacon and cream mixture.

Cover and cook on high until potatoes are tender, about 4-1/2 hours. Turn off slow cooker; sprinkle with remaining Gruyère. Cover and let stand until cheese is melted and some of the liquid has absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Tip from The Test Kitchen: We've made this dish without gluten by using potato starch as a thickener, but feel free to substitute with all-purpose flour if gluten isn't a concern for your guests.

Slow Cooker Balsamic-Braised Pot Roast

Weeknight entertaining is a breeze when you put your slow cooker to work! Adding a bit of flour to the sauce at the end of cooking turns it into a rich gravy to serve alongside the roast. Green peas and mashed sweet potatoes make great accompaniments to this hearty cold-weather dish.

Discard bay leaf. Skim fat from surface of cooking liquid. Whisk flour with 1/4 cup water; whisk into slow cooker. Cover and cook on high until thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in parsley.

Thinly slice beef across the grain; serve with sauce.

Tip from The Test Kitchen: For the most flavourful sauce, choose a good-quality balsamic vinegar. Taste the sauce before serving; if it's very tangy, stir in up to one tablespoon of granulated sugar until dissolved sweetness.

Method

In large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; stir into butter mixture in 2 additions. Stir in cherries; knead gently just until dough comes together.

Divide dough into thirds. Working one-third at a time, place dough on large piece of plastic wrap. Covering loosely with plastic wrap, shape into 8-inch (20 cm) long log. Flatten sides to form 1-inch (2.5 cm) tall rectangle; twist ends of plastic wrap to seal. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before continuing with recipe.)